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| 246 "We are located along the bay and can bathe at any time. The water is crowded all day and until late at night. This camp suits us to the queen's taste, and the climate is fine. I do not think we will go to Cuba for two or three weeks." On Saturday, June 18, a fatal accident occurred in the camp by which Jerome Osterkamp, a private of Company B, lost his life. William C. Carter, of Company G, was experimenting with the shell extractor of his gun when it went off, the bullet striking Osterkamp in the left side. The unfortunate man soon died, and Carter was arrested and put on trial before a general court-martial for manslaughter and disobedience of orders. It was, of course, perfectly clear that the shooting was accidental, but the accident was due to a grave breach of discipline. The strict order was that guns should not be loaded except by express orders. The court was composed of Colonel E. H. Hardin, of the Second New York, who presided; Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson, of the Fifth Maryland; Major M. Emmert Urell, of the First District of Columbia; Captain R. B. Bowie of the Fifth Maryland; Captains Harry Walsh and H. F. Hodgson, of the First District of Columbia; Captains D. E. Funk and Frank Baider, of the Second New York; Lieutenant Frank Campbell, of the Fifth Maryland; Lieutenant Delass M. Dodd, of the Second New York; Lieutenant T. V. Walker, of the First District of Columbia; Lieutenant Calvin S. Chesriey, of the Second New York. Sergeant Louis Lottes, of the Fifth Maryland, was court reporter. Captain John Hinkley was judge advocate, and Adjutant S. Johnson Poe defended the prisoner. Carter admitted that he had accidentally fired the shot which killed Osterkamp. After testimony had been taken the prisoner was adjudged guilty, and sentenced to be dishonorably discharged, forfeiting all pay and allowances, and to be confined in the penitentiary for two years. Later on, after the regiment came home, Carter's mother made a strong appeal for her son, and in consideration of the admitted absence of any criminal intent upon his part, a petition for his pardon was signed by a large number of influential people, and the pardon was granted. |